Regarding Political Incivility and the Denial of the Humanity of the OppositionLeave a comment

On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, Eric Trump, son of Donald Trump, appeared on the alleged FOX News Channel (perhaps the greatest oxymoron since jumbo shrimp, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada) and denied the humanity of Democrats, especially those pressing the Russia investigation:

I’ve never seen hatred like this. I mean to me, they’re not even people.

I, writing as a member of the resistance to Donald Trump, a man with a disturbing affinity for strong men (such as those of Turkey, the Russian Federation, and the Philippines), affirm the humanity and corresponding dignity of all people, including those with the surname “Trump.” I refuse to stoop to the mean-spirited level of Eric Trump, who, in that interview, went on to accuse Tom Perez, the new Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, “a total whack job” then to decry the increase in political name calling. I am well-acquainted with the desire to engage in political name calling, for I have done so. I conclude, however, that I ought to be a better person than that. This is a spiritual discipline.

I do not know what the conclusions of a full, professional investigation of the Russia-related allegations will be or what paths for further investigation they will open. No, I reserve judgment, for I prefer to stand on the solid ground of objective reality. I wish for people to recognize me as being what I am–one who speaks and writes cautiously, based on accurate information. More information relevant to the Russia issue and its spin-offs seems to become available daily, as the stories develop. Objective reality is what it is; so be it; I side with it. To insist on a full disclosure of objective reality in matters affecting the governance of the republic then to follow objective reality where it points is wise and patriotic, although inconvenient for many. I, as a patriot, hope that there is nothing detrimental to the United States for any investigation to unearth; I do not want my country to suffer a political trauma needlessly. If, however, such skullduggery is reality, may it become public knowledge and the chips fall where they may. I support the integrity of the constitutional system, which is greater than any person or persons.

I do write and speak of what I know. Donald Trump is his own worst enemy. He, despite his advanced age, is immature. He is also impulsive. He uses Twitter too much, doubles down on inaccurate Tweets, demonstrates his affinity for hare-brained conspiracy theories. He, behaving immaturely and impulsively, undercuts the efforts of his staff and cabinet secretaries, appalls not only Democrats but principled conservatives, makes life more difficult for himself by giving political ammunition to his opponents, and complicates the efforts of many supporters to defend him.

Regardless of what professional investigators will learn, Donald Trump will remain his own worst enemy. Will he learn this lesson and cease to blame others and not himself? The passage of time will tell.

If publishing this post places me in the class of people whose humanity Eric Trump denies, so be it. I continue to affirm his humanity and his corresponding dignity.